Andrew McGrath is one of the rising stars of the Australian Football League (AFL), playing for the Essendon Football Club. Known for his agility, leadership, and defensive prowess, McGrath has grown from a No. 1 draft pick into a cornerstone of Essendon’s lineup. His on-field success has naturally raised questions about his financial standing — including his net worth, salary, career earnings, and current contract.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Andrew McGrath’s professional AFL journey and break down the details of his earnings, assets, and financial prospects.
Who is Andrew McGrath?
Andrew McGrath is a Canadian-born Australian rules footballer who plays as a midfielder and defender. Born on June 2, 1998, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, McGrath moved to Australia at a young age. His sporting talent was evident early on, as he excelled in both track and field and football.
He made national headlines when he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2016 AFL Draft by Essendon. Since then, McGrath has developed into a dependable and versatile player, admired for his clean disposal, pace, and defensive instincts.
Andrew McGrath’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Andrew McGrath’s estimated net worth is between AUD $3 million to $4 million. This valuation is based on his AFL contracts, endorsement deals, and performance incentives.
While McGrath is not among the very top earners in the AFL like Dustin Martin or Marcus Bontempelli, his consistent on-field impact and leadership roles — including vice-captaincy — have ensured a steady rise in his financial stature.
Key Assets Contributing to His Net Worth:
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AFL salaries from 2017 to 2025
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Bonuses and performance incentives
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Sponsorships (Nike, Adidas, local Australian sports brands)
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Real estate investments in Victoria
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Superannuation and AFLPA benefits
Andrew McGrath’s AFL Salary Breakdown
McGrath’s salary has steadily increased over the years, in line with his growing influence at Essendon. While exact figures are often confidential, reports and AFL averages help estimate his earnings accurately.
Estimated Yearly Salary Progression:
| Year | Estimated Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $90,000 (rookie base + match fees) |
| 2018 | $200,000 – $250,000 |
| 2019 | $300,000 – $350,000 |
| 2020 | $500,000 (after contract extension) |
| 2021 | $600,000 |
| 2022 | $650,000 |
| 2023 | $700,000 – $750,000 |
| 2024 | $750,000 – $800,000 |
| 2025 | $800,000+ (projected final year under current deal) |
Career Earnings: How Much Has Andrew McGrath Made?
Over his professional AFL career from 2017 to 2025, Andrew McGrath’s total career earnings are estimated to be between AUD $4.5 million and $5.5 million.
This total comprises:
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Base and tiered salaries
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Performance bonuses for games played, wins, and awards
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Leadership bonuses for serving as vice-captain
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Finals participation bonuses (when applicable)
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Sponsorship income and media appearances
McGrath’s growing leadership role and clean injury record have kept his value high within Essendon’s squad structure, translating into healthy financial rewards.
Current Contract: Details and Terms
In late 2022, Andrew McGrath signed a contract extension with the Essendon Bombers that secures him through the end of the 2025 AFL season. Though the exact value was not publicly disclosed, AFL insiders suggest the deal is worth approximately $2.4 million over three years, or around $800,000 per season.
Contract Highlights:
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Duration: 2023–2025 (three-year extension)
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Total Value: Estimated at AUD $2.4 million
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Annual Salary: ~ $800,000 per season
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Bonuses: Includes performance triggers for games played, finals appearances, and leadership duties
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Club Role: Vice-Captain of Essendon, high performance and media duties
McGrath’s deal puts him just outside the league’s top-paid players but reflects his importance to Essendon’s rebuilding phase and future strategy.
Sponsorship and Endorsements
While McGrath doesn’t have the commercial portfolio of some of the league’s bigger media personalities, he has been involved in several minor to mid-tier sponsorships.
Known Brand Associations:
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Nike Australia: Occasional apparel deals
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BodyScience: Sports supplement partnership
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Local Community Sports Programs: Grassroots football ambassador roles
His clean image, leadership qualities, and professionalism make him an attractive candidate for sponsorships, especially in Victoria.
Investment and Lifestyle
Andrew McGrath is known for his disciplined lifestyle and grounded personality. Unlike some athletes who splurge early in their careers, McGrath has reportedly made smart financial decisions.
Lifestyle Highlights:
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Residence: Lives in Melbourne, Victoria; purchased a modern apartment in the inner suburbs
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Investments: Small-scale property investments and financial advisory through AFLPA programs
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Cars: Owns a mid-tier luxury vehicle (Audi or BMW model)
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Hobbies: Golf, travel, mentoring young athletes
Essendon officials and teammates often praise McGrath for his maturity and long-term thinking — both on and off the field.
Career Highlights and Milestones
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2016: No. 1 Draft Pick (Essendon)
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2017: NAB AFL Rising Star winner
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2019: Emerged as a midfield leader
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2020–2025: Vice-Captain of Essendon Football Club
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150+ Games milestone (expected by end of 2025)
McGrath’s flexibility in playing both midfield and half-back roles makes him invaluable in Essendon’s rotations.
How Does McGrath Compare with Other AFL Stars?
In terms of earnings, McGrath is positioned in the upper-middle tier of AFL players. He doesn’t yet command a $1 million per year salary like Dustin Martin or Jeremy Cameron, but he is among Essendon’s highest-paid players.
Comparison Table:
| Player | Estimated Annual Salary | Net Worth (2025 est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dustin Martin | $1.1M | $8M+ |
| Marcus Bontempelli | $950K | $6M+ |
| Andrew McGrath | $800K | $3M–$4M |
| Zach Merrett | $850K | $4M–$5M |
| Jordan De Goey | $850K | $4M–$5M |
What’s Next for Andrew McGrath?
Andrew McGrath’s future looks bright. With Essendon aiming to return to finals contention, McGrath is expected to play a key leadership role. If he continues to perform and remains injury-free, a lucrative contract extension or move to another high-paying club could be on the cards after 2025.
Potential paths include:
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Contract extension with Essendon (likely)
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Increased leadership role or possible captaincy
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Off-field roles in media or player development post-retirement
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Endorsement and brand ambassador opportunities
Final Thoughts
Andrew McGrath’s journey from a Canadian-born athlete to a top AFL draft pick and Essendon leader is both inspiring and financially rewarding. With a net worth projected between $3 million and $4 million, solid earnings of over $5 million throughout his career, and a lucrative current contract, McGrath is well-positioned as both a footballer and a role model.
As his AFL career continues to progress, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how McGrath’s role — and earning potential — evolves.
FAQs About Andrew McGrath’s Finances
Q1. What is Andrew McGrath’s net worth in 2025?
A1. Between AUD $3 million and $4 million.
Q2. How much does Andrew McGrath earn annually?
A2. Around $800,000 per year under his current Essendon contract.
Q3. What was his draft position?
A3. No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 AFL Draft.
Q4. Does Andrew McGrath have endorsements?
A4. Yes, with Nike, BodyScience, and community sports programs.
Q5. Is he one of the top earners in the AFL?
A5. He’s in the upper-middle tier — one of the highest earners at Essendon but not in the AFL’s top 10.
